WARNING: The following contains spoilers for The Batman, now playing in theaters.

In Matt Reeves' The Batman, Andy Serkis' Alfred was very different from older depictions in many comics, cartoons, animated movies, and video games. In fact, his cold, sassy attitude paled in comparison to previous films, especially the Michael Caine version from the Christopher Nolan films.

But it matched Reeves' story as he tried to paint Robert Pattinson's Bruce as a lone wolf, trying to save Gotham from Riddler and its own corrupt ways. However, while this was an ambitious attempt to carve tension out and drown Bruce in isolation, it failed to learn from the badass Alfred that Geoff Johns and Gary Frank had in Batman: Earth One.

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Why Were Alfred And Batman Fractured In Reeves' Movie?

Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth and Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne in The Batman

This emotional separation can be attributed to how Bruce loved wallowing in seclusion, blaming himself for his parent's deaths. The movie prequel did confirm he trained in many forms of martial arts with Alfred, using the man's military experience from England to improve himself to fight crime later on. However, Alfred never really tried to bridge that gap, leaving Bruce to study science all over the world and find his way. Even when Bruce returned to build his Bat-mobile, as well as other gadgets, he was left to his own devices.

The film continued in this vein by having Alfred alienate an older Bruce. After all, most of Alfred's time was spent keeping watch on Wayne Enterprises to ensure it stayed afloat financially. He offered brief speeches of motivation to Bruce regarding vigilantism and losing himself in the darkness but it came off quite condescending. That tongue-in-cheek banter aside, Alfred helped with one cipher Riddler left, which surprised Bruce, giving fans a tease of what they could have been if they ironed out differences.

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Why Were Alfred And Batman Fractured In Earth One?

Batman Tells Alfred He Won't Wear Body Armor

The comic's bond was much more nuanced and parent-like, despite Alfred being just as gruff, which did inspire Serkis' depiction. It was all because the night the Waynes died, Alfred visited and begged Thomas to officially start bodyguard duty. Thomas denied him, telling him to rest the night, but when they were killed, Alfred was consumed by guilt. He reluctantly became a legal guardian to Bruce, which stemmed from his own failed relationship with his daughter back home.

Still, as time passed, the amputee used his Royal Marines training to make Bruce a weapon. However, he'd leave after the guilt proved too much, only to return years later, disenchanted with how Bruce wanted to carry out his vigilante crusade. In time, though, Alfred's anger shifted to Bruce not being mentally ready for Gotham's criminals. As such, they fought it out, with Alfred forgiving himself, but in the process, letting his rage corrupt Bruce. This created a different kind of fracture where Alfred didn't have a 'son,' but now a dog of war who wouldn't listen after being influenced so much by Alfred's bitterness.

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Which Was The Better Bruce And Alfred?

Alfred was like a father to Batman in Earth One

The better Bruce and Alfred was definitely Earth One because of how their relationship evolved, while still making them a Dynamic Duo, of sorts, in the Bat-cave. Alfred realized he wasn't the kind of father he needed to be for Thomas and Bruce. He adopted a warmer approach to helping Bruce with his weapons and expanding the Caped Crusader's network. By helping quell Bruce's anger and violent tendencies, they learned more about teamwork and family. It's why they hugged it out in Vol. 3, with Alfred letting him know he'd never be alone.

The film came close to this sentimental reconciliation after Alfred was bombed by Riddler, barely managing to survive. Instead of being grateful though, Bruce lashed out over how Alfred kept the secret about Thomas using Carmine Falcone to hide Martha's mental illness. But when Alfred confirmed his dad kicked Carmine to the curb, which may have led to their deaths, Bruce rushed into a U-turn. He realized they were good people and Alfred was trying to protect their reputations.

He held Alfred's hand but still, there wasn't an endearing apology, gratitude, or Bruce telling him he loved him. Ultimately, it lacked the emotional heft of Earth One and made Alfred feel like a plot crutch. It was made even worse by Alfred just dropping out of the film, leaving the Waynes' deaths unsolved. He wasn't even seen in Gotham's rebuilding or Bruce's plans for the future, which didn't make him feel like a father, friend, or mentor the way he evolved in Earth One.

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